Temperature-controlled rheometer
OwnerNathan Wrench, Benjamin Gordon +2inventors
InventorsNathan Wrench, Benjamin Gordon, Kevin Rathbone, Andrew Gow
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In one general aspect, a rheometer for measuring properties of a sample is disclosed. It can include a first part having a drive portion operatively connected to an actuator and having a contact surface for contacting the sample. The rheometer also includes a second part that has another contact surface for contacting the sample. A first heater is positioned to heat the first part, a second heater is positioned to heat the second part, and a heat pump can heat and cool both the first and second parts.
Claims31
A rheometer for measuring properties of a sample, comprising:
- an actuator,
- a first part having a contact surface for contacting the sample, and having a drive portion operatively connected to the actuator,
- a first heater positioned to heat the first part,
- a second part having a contact surface for contacting the sample,
- a second heater positioned to heat the second part, and
- a heat pump operative to heat and cool both the first and second parts.
A rheometry method, comprising:
- setting an overall rheometer temperature,
- heating a first part of the rheometer to reduce the heat flux through a sample when the sample temperature is above ambient,
- heating a second part of the rheometer to reduce the heat flux through the sample when the sample temperature is below ambient,
- moving at least one of the first and second parts with respect to the other, and
- measuring a property of the sample based on effects on the sample of the step of moving.
A rheometer for measuring properties of a sample, comprising:
- means for setting an overall rheometer temperature,
- means for heating a first part of the rheometer to reduce the heat flux through a sample when the sample temperature is above ambient,
- means for heating a second part of the rheometer to reduce the heat flux through the sample when the sample temperature is below ambient,
- means for moving at least one of the first and second parts with respect to the other, and
- means for measuring a property of the sample based on effects on the sample of the means for moving.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.